As part of his socialization, Pablo attends Odyssey Academy with Sandy.
She tells this story about how he got his nickname, "Peeps":
"Pablo" is the new puppy’s name, I tell my husband. "Hum, will Guiding
Eyes be sending him with a GREEN CARD?" is his response. "I don’t
know but I’ll ask", was my reply back. Robin Brook’s comment
was "not a green card but he can do one heck of a Mexican Hat Dance!"
So our Pablo arrived big, fat or extremely fluffy as some people would
like to say, and a busy little puppy he was. Every time he got
caught doing something wrong he would put his head down between his paws
and looks up at us. "So you think you are going to win me over
with those cute little peepers of yours do you?" Thus, his
nickname "Peeps". Pablo attended Odyssey Academy with me – the
third dog raised at Odyssey and the 6th
total for Tom and me. The kids loved Pablo’s outgoing nature and
actually could relate nicely to his mischievous side – he was one of
them.
Pablo’s happy, outgoing nature, and love for each day was contagious
in school and our home. Even on the darkest days, he could put a
smile on our faces. He grew into a beautiful dog; even though
Guiding Eyes isn’t concerned about the dog’s looks, one couldn’t
help notice how handsome a Golden Retriever Pablo became. He was tall,
blocky head, gorgeous eyes, the color of butter, and golden feathering
like a show dog.
The time for Pablo’s return to his Guiding Eye’s home came very
quickly, like it does with all these wonderful puppies. The time flies by
and before you know it the house is quiet, the classroom far less
exciting, the dog toys lay in the same spot day after day. However, with
all these sad feelings there is also the feeling of excitement and
wonder. Will he pass his “In For Training Test”, if he does will
he like doing guide work and in Pablo’s case he is being looked at for
the breeding program. If chosen will he make good puppies that can
grow into excellent guide dogs. The thought of little Mexican Jumping
Beans comes to mind! The proud feeling of raising one of these puppies,
regardless of the career they choose, is way bigger than the sad feeling
of them being gone.
These wonderful dogs touch so many
lives during their lifetime that I feel it a honor to have been a part of
Pablo’s life ~ even if for only a brief time. My memories will
never fade and “Peeps” will be with me forever.
